Page 14 of Crown of Blood and Vengeance

Dimitri lounged against the bar, bourbon glass dangling carelessly from his fingers as his eyes tracked my movement. A shadow of contempt crossed his face, that characteristic expression that promised sarcasm but hid something darker beneath. “Well, that’s the million-dollar question.” He pushed off from the bar with fluid grace, moving closer with predatory intensity. “How the hell do you suppose we do that? Dracula could have taken him anywhere.” He took a slow, deliberate sip of bourbon. “But sure, let’s just Google ‘ancient vampire lairs’ and see what pops up. I’m sure Dracula’s broadcasting his location on Instagram.”

In a blur of movement, I crossed the space between us and slammed Dimitri against the wall, my hand locked around his throat. The bourbon glass shattered on the floor. I leaned in close, my voice deadly calm.

“Angelo is out there, and he needs us. I don’t have time for your sarcasm.” I tightened my grip just enough to make my point. “Either contribute something useful or get out of my way.”

I released him and stepped back. Dimitri straightened his collar, a flicker of respect replacing the mockery in his eyes. He knew I rarely made idle threats.

The momentary tension settled as I refocused on our mission. “We can rule out Red Rose Academy. I don’t think Vlad would take him back to where there are students—even if he was possessed.”

“So, if he’s not at Red Rose...” Dimitri crossed his arms, his expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. “Don’t tell me you’re thinking of our friendly neighborhood creepy garden, Lumina Glade. Because apparently, one death trap isn’t enough for tonight.”

I nodded, my mind already piecing together the pattern. “Balthazar has always been drawn to St. Louis Cathedral in Lumina Glade. That abandoned church isn’t just a coincidence—it’s practically his sanctuary.” I reached for my coat, decision made. “The place is steeped in dark magic that would appeal to him, magic that could help contain someone as powerful as Angelo.”

“And you think Vlad would take him there?” Dimitri asked, skepticism clear in his voice.

“With Vlad possessed, he’s essentially an extension of Balthazar now. He’d seek out places of power that Balthazar favors.” I checked my weapons. “That dark magic might protect them, but it won’t keep us out. Yeah, that’s where we’re going.”

Something snapped outside like a twig, the sound sharp against the gentle lapping of bayou waters. Dimitri and I glanced at each other, decades of survival instincts kicking in. Drawing on vampire speed, I blurred out of the houseboat, my fangs descending with a familiar ache as adrenaline flooded my system.

A wolf materialized from the shadows, its form rippling and contorting until a dark-haired man stood in its place. Before he could move, I had him pinned against a cypress tree, the rough bark scraping against his skin as my fingers locked aroundhis throat. The scent of wolf—wild and earthy—mixed with expensive cologne. “Who are you?”

“I’m Kai Kalani,” he choked out, his voice raspy under the pressure of my grip. His pulse raced beneath my fingers, but his eyes held no fear. “Trystan sent me.”

I slowly released him, keeping my body coiled and ready to strike if this proved to be a trick. “Talk.”

Kai panted, his words coming out in a rush that made my heart clench.

“I have news about Elena and Angelo.”

I dropped my hand as if his skin had burst into flames. “What?”

Kai rubbed his throat, dark bruises already forming under his olive skin. His eyes darted between Dimitri and me, grave with the weight of his message. “Elena is at Trystan’s.”

Dimitri kicked at the gravel beneath his feet with barely contained agitation. “Oh perfect, a sleepover at the dog pound.” His fingers lingered on the railing, a telltale tremor betraying his casual tone. “I’m sure she’s having a wonderful time playing fetch with His Royal Furriness.”

“I want to talk to her,” I said, my voice tight with barely contained tension.

“Call her then.” Kai met my gaze steadily. “Trystan said to tell you that we’re not hiding anything.”

I took out my cellphone and Trystan answered on the first ring. “I want to speak to Elena.”

“All business as usual, Enzo,” he said, a hint of amusement coloring his words. “But here’s Elena. We’re protecting her as you requested.”

“Enzo?”

The sound of her voice melted the ice in my veins. “Are you safe?”

“Oui, Oui. Trystan’s been good to me.” Her voice was steady, unhurried. “I’m so worried about Gianna. Do you have her?”

I lowered my head, shame and frustration burning in my chest. “No, not yet. But we will. Stay with Trystan.”

“Oui, Enzo. I will. Please retrievema chèrie.”

I hung up the phone and met Dimitri’s questioning gaze. “She’s safe.” I turned to Kai. “You had something else you wanted to tell me, wolf?”

He swallowed hard and held his head up high. “Angelo. He’s scheduled to be executed.”

My fangs elongated, and bloodlust surged through my veins. “Where? When?”

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